Microsoft Takes Skype for Linux Out of Alpha

The Skype Linux client now has almost the same capabilities that it enjoys on other platforms.

Microsoft breathed new life into the almost defunct Skype for Linux in 2016 when the company released the alpha version of the rewritten client. However, the Linux client was behind its macOS and Windows 10 counterparts. Microsoft has now released the Skype for Linux 5.0 beta version, which inches toward bridging the feature gap.

A news item on Skype.com stated, “This update includes features that make it easier for you to use Skype for Linux for your everyday communications needs. We have been listening to you and added in some of your top requests.”

Some of the new features of the beta include the ability to make phone calls to cellular phones and landlines using Skype Credits. Now users can also make one-to-one video calls from Linux to macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS and can view a shared screen from Windows and macOS clients.

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The old Microsoft gave the cold shoulder to Skype for Linux, neither updating it nor equipping it with new features. The new Microsoft promises to do better, with a brand new alpha prerelease version of a Linux client for the famous telephony tool.